It’s a far cry from the early days, when college students spent their summers on the beach playing volleyball, touch football and a little-known game with a ball and bat.

Since then, and as they grew older, they formed the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC), which soon centered around an over-the-line tournament (OTL) that would gain worldwide attention. And, the tourney is scheduled for more fun this summer during July 13-14 and July 20-21 on sunbaked Fiesta Island, where everyone parties.

The club now has 400 members and the activity has broadened to include golf tournaments, rugby, surf competition, a triathlon, softball, horse shoes, youth programs and even women’s water polo. It’s an assortment of sports competition that might rival that of some schools. As a change of pace, the group even tosses in a musical concert.

The Rugby Club team plays annually in a competition from January through June against teams from other coastal cities.

“They play six or seven home games on the ‘Little Q,’ the Chargers practice field in Mission Valley,” Pagano said. “They reached the playoffs last year and several of the players were selected for the USA team. I think we have a good competitive team. Several of last year’s team were selected to the USA team.” In the past, key performers and a head coach were picked as members on the international sevens squad.

Except for OTL, the other competitions might not be eyed for major attention. but it sure serves as outlets for the membership and some outsiders.

Some say OTL is more than “beer, babes and bats” on the beach. Where are they looking?

Getting a closer look

Go behind the scenes at SeaWorld’s guided tour programs and get an insider’s perspective on animal care and training methods.

SeaWorld has a tour for everyone, with choices where guests can connect up-close with penguins, Arctic animals, bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles.

SeaWorld also offers private behind-the-scenes tours.

— Johnny McDonald is a longtime writer and columnist with the San Diego Community Newspaper Group.